West Trenton - N.J. - Law enforcement cooperation from the federal to the local level resulted in the culmination of two large-scale investigations resulting in the arrest of
13 people for crimes including the illegal sale of guns, drugs and fraudulent IDs and for auto theft by car-jacking. Between both operations, 17 guns were seized.

"Gun violence takes a heartbreaking toll on our communities, and in three out of four cases, the weapons used by criminals come from outside of New Jersey," said New Jersey Attorney
General Paula T. Dow. "By engaging all levels of law enforcement to target gun traffickers, we are working to shut down the pipeline for illicit guns."

"These cases prove that law enforcement agencies at all levels are leveraging each other's assets like never before. Collectively, we are targeting the people putting
weapons in the hands of criminals," said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. "We are confident that these intercepted guns would have
resulted in injuries and loss of life—perhaps to innocent bystanders—and we are rightfully proud of these successful investigations," Fuentes added.

"With these cooperative investigations, we set our sights on defendants who were selling both guns and narcotics, the twin scourges that are destroying so many young lives
in New Jersey," said Director Stephen J. Taylor of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice.

"Document fraud and weapons trafficking is an extremely lucrative crime that can be challenging to investigate, but HSI agents, working with state and local law enforcement officials
are determined to bring these criminals to justice," said Peter T. Edge, special agent in charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
in Newark. "Fraudulent documents may be used to gain employment in critical infrastructure industries, obtain financial benefits and entitlements that are intended for US citizens, and
is a severe threat to our national security."

"The FBI is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the New Jersey State Police and the other local agencies represented in this investigation today," said Special Agent in Charge
George C. Venizelos, of the Philadelphia Division of the FBI. "These types of joint investigations are intended to not only rid our communities of those criminal predators that destroy
the very fabric of safety and security that all law-abiding citizens expect and deserve, but also to send the clear message that Federal, State, County and local law enforcement
agencies are working together to aggressively address the violent crime and drug problems in South Jersey communities."

"The MVC has zero tolerance for document fraud, abuse and identity theft and we remain vigilant in our effort to further protect the licensing process," said MVC Chief
Administrator Raymond P. Martinez. "Today we stand tall with our law enforcement partners with the knowledge that when we work together, we will protect the integrity of
our licensing system and the personal information of New Jerseyans."

Operation Southern Draw
This investigation, which began in August of 2010, uncovered a group of people making money through several different criminal enterprises. The investigation showed a
relationship between the sale of fraudulent identification documents, the sale of stolen cars, carjackings, and the purchase of firearms from North Carolina. Those guns would
then be sold for profit back in New Jersey. Six people were charged and 15 guns purchased and seized in this ongoing investigation.

Several carjackings planned in Essex and Union Counties were actually thwarted by New Jersey troopers and agents from Homeland Security Investigations. In one such
effort, three men were detained by State Police T.E.A.M.S (tactical unit) when it was believed they were on their way to commit a carjacking in Roselle. Evidence recovered
in the vehicle in which they were found included an imitation handgun, a ski mask, and a tool to disable car locks. Samuel Frye was charged with possession of burglary
tools at that time and with additional charges later.

The major arrests and search warrants were executed on April 5th when troopers, agents and officers swept through a number of locations in Essex and Union Counties.
Thirteen handguns, one Uzi assault weapon and one 30/30 rifle were recovered along with two stolen cars and three other vehicles seized. Several sets of fraudulent IDs, including
birth certificates and social security cards were purchased under the direction of detectives prior to making the final arrests.

Detectives with the New Jersey State Police Weapons Trafficking Unit worked closely with federal and local agencies including U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, and the
Union County Prosecutor's Office, Newark P.D, Union Township P.D., North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, N.J. Motor Vehicle Commission, State Department of
Taxation, and the Salvation Army.

Operation White Cloud
This cooperative investigation focused on the weapons and cocaine distribution network of Nicholas Stens of Collingswood. In January of 2011, Stens sold a .40 caliber
semi-automatic handgun and ammunition for $800 to an undercover officer in the task force. Later, the same officer purchased distribution quantities of cocaine and a
12-guage shotgun from Stens.

In coordinated sweeps on April 7th, law enforcement partners executed search and arrest warrants in Camden and other South Jersey areas. Seven people have been arrested on
various weapons and drug charges to this date. This South Jersey case uncovered information that subjects under investigation intended to sell additional weapons including the
infamous AK-47, as well as significant quantities of drugs. One handgun, one shotgun, 22 ounces of cocaine valued at $22,000, $15,000 in currency, and two vehicles were seized
in the course of this investigation.

Poss. of a handgun while committing a CDS offense
Poss. of a handgun without a permit
Poss. of a shotgun/rifle without a purchaser ID
Selling a firearm without being licensed
Distribution of CDS, first degree (2 counts)
Conspiracy (2 Counts)

Robert Schafer, dob: 9/1/86, Maple Shade, NJ. Arrested April 7, 2011

Conspiracy to Distribute CDS

Roberto Ortiz, dob: 6/13/85, Haddon Twp., NJ. Arrested April 7, 2011

Conspiracy to Distribute CDS
Conspiracy to unlawfully dispose of a firearm